Compare Jadrolinija services with EUFerry, from route planning and onboard considerations to current
departure availability and fares for your chosen journey.
The lifeline between Croatia’s mainland and islands
Jadrolinija was legally established in Rijeka on 20 January 1947, with roots in Adriatic coastal
shipping that reach much further back. Today it is Croatia’s largest passenger shipping company and
a central part of daily transport between mainland ports and the islands.
The current company profile states a fleet of 58 ships carrying more than 12 million passengers and
3.5 million vehicles a year. In summer the network expands to more than 600 departures a day,
ranging from short vehicle-ferry crossings to long island routes and fast passenger catamarans.
Internationally, the 2026 programme includes Split–Ancona, Split–Bari and Dubrovnik–Bari using the
ferry Dalmacija, plus a seasonal high-speed Zadar–Ancona service. Jadrolinija announced on 18 August
2026 that the Dalmacija-operated international routes Split–Ancona, Split–Bari and Dubrovnik–Bari
are temporarily suspended through 9 September 2026 because of a technical issue. Check the latest
service notice before travel.
Planning note: Jadrolinija uses three distinct passenger products — vehicle ferries, conventional passenger ships and high-speed craft. Vehicle carriage, reservation rules and onboard facilities depend on which service type is assigned to your route.
Croatian islands and the Adriatic
Jadrolinija ferry routes
The network contains dozens of local lines. These three cards show the main journey types: a short
high-frequency island ferry, a reservable longer island crossing, and the 2026 international
programme to Italy.
Year-roundAbout 50 minutes
Mainland
Split
Brač
Supetar
Ferry line 631 is one of Jadrolinija’s busiest island connections. The published journey takes about
50 minutes, and a ticket is valid for any departure on the printed date, subject to available
capacity.
Passenger and vehicle ferry
Useful for Brač road trips and local travel
Flexible date-valid ticket rather than a fixed sailing reservation
Ferry line 635 connects Split with Stari Grad on Hvar in about two hours. On this route the
purchased ticket is also a reservation for the selected departure.
Carries passengers and vehicles
Strong option for exploring Hvar with a car
Jadrolinija recommends arriving at least 45 minutes before reserved departures
Jadrolinija’s current international network comprises Split–Ancona, Split–Bari and Dubrovnik–Bari by
ferry, plus the seasonal Zadar–Ancona catamaran. Zadar–Ancona is published at about four hours with
up to five departures per week in season.
Dalmacija operates the conventional international ferry routes
Jelena operates the high-speed Zadar–Ancona service
International tickets use a separate check-in process
This schematic summarises the three representative current route groups described above. It is not a
complete network map or timetable; the live operator booking result is definitive.
For planning with Jadrolinija, use the map to compare the representative route groups above,
including Split–Supetar, Split–Stari Grad, Split / Dubrovnik / Zadar–Ancona / Bari. It is most
useful for judging which departure or arrival point best fits the rest of the journey rather than as
a substitute for the live timetable.
After choosing the most practical route, compare the live Jadrolinija sailing for departure time,
calling pattern, passenger requirements and the facilities or accommodation shown for that service.
The complete itinerary and arrival location can matter more than a small difference in the headline
fare.
Jadrolinija schedules and reservation status vary by route and season. Use the live result for the
exact departure, vessel, journey time and whether your ticket reserves that sailing.
Illustrative Jadrolinija route map. Routes and operating patterns can change; check the live timetable for your date.
Ports and places
Three major Croatian gateways
Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik sit at the heart of different parts of the Jadrolinija network, from
dense island ferry corridors to international Adriatic links.
Central Dalmatian hub
Split
Split is a major base for ferries to Brač, Hvar, Vis, Šolta, Korčula and Lastovo, as well as
international sailings to Ancona and Bari. The exact terminal and vehicle lane depend on the
service.
Zadar serves both city-centre passenger links and vehicle-ferry services from Gaženica to the
surrounding archipelago. In 2026, Gaženica also hosts the seasonal high-speed connection to Ancona.
Dubrovnik anchors local services to the Elafiti islands and also provides the 2026 international
ferry connection to Bari. Plan extra time between the historic centre and the working port.
That choice can change which Jadrolinija service you use. Vehicle ferries carry cars, while
conventional passenger ships and high-speed services are intended for foot passengers.
Match the space to the crossing
Passenger seating, cabins and comfort
Jadrolinija’s accommodation varies from simple local ferry salons to reserved catamaran seats and the broader facilities of the international ferry Dalmacija.
Local and international ships provide indoor passenger seating; the exact layout depends on the vessel. Cabin accommodation is associated with longer international journeys rather than ordinary short island crossings.
Local ferry salons
Vehicle ferries provide indoor seating and open decks for short and medium domestic crossings.
Best considered forIsland journeys by car or on foot
Catamaran seating
High-speed passenger ships use reserved seating and prioritise fast travel between ports.
Best considered forNot available on high-speed service lines
Airplane-style seats
Jadrolinija specifically promotes airplane-style seating on its conventional international ferry services.
Best considered forLonger Adriatic crossings
Cabins
Cabins are an option on international ferry travel and should be selected in advance where offered.
Best considered forCheck the exact Dalmacija sailing and fare
Family spaces
Dalmacija includes a children’s playroom, while family facilities on domestic vessels vary by ship.
Best considered forShip-specific
Accessible travel
Passengers who need assistance can request help with ticketing, boarding, disembarkation or accommodation.
Best considered forNotify the departure port when assistance is required
Cabin booking tip
Search early for summer weekends and school-holiday dates. A cabin category can sell out even when
passenger and vehicle space remains available, and a last-minute upgrade should never be assumed.
During the crossing
Food, cafés, decks and passenger facilities
The onboard experience ranges from a coffee bar and reserved seats on a catamaran to restaurants,
bars, family facilities and open decks on Dalmacija.
Dalmacija has two restaurants, three bars and a grill bar for international passengers. Catamarans and many larger local ships include coffee-bar or refreshment facilities. The international ferry Dalmacija includes a playroom for younger passengers. Open decks are a major part of the Adriatic ferry experience when weather permits.
Restaurants
Dalmacija offers multiple food outlets on international routes; local ships have a simpler service mix.
Lounges and seats
Passenger spaces range from ferry salons to reserved high-speed seating and international
airplane-style seats.
Internet access
Jadrolinija cautions that internet access on international journeys is limited by maritime coverage
and is strongest near the coast.
Family facilities
Children’s facilities are available on selected larger vessels, including Dalmacija.
Open decks
Many ferries provide exterior deck space for sea views; access may be limited in poor weather or
during port operations.
Passenger luggage
High-speed state services allow up to 20 kg of personal luggage per passenger free of charge; other
rules depend on route and fare.
General EUFerry facility photographs illustrate the type of passenger spaces discussed here and are
not presented as photographs of every Jadrolinija vessel.
Check the service type first
Vehicles, bicycles, pets and accessibility
Vehicle carriage is available on ferry service lines, while passenger ships and high-speed services
are foot-passenger products. Pet and bicycle rules also change by vessel type.
Cars, motorcycles and touring vehicles can travel on vehicle-ferry routes when booked in the correct category. Bicycle carriage depends on the service type; domestic catamarans have stricter rules than vehicle ferries. Small pets can travel in approved carriers, while larger animals use designated areas according to the vessel.
Cars & touring vehicles
Vehicles are carried on ferry service lines. Vehicle dimensions and roof or rear loads must be
declared accurately, and a registration certificate is needed when buying a vehicle ticket.
Enter the correct vehicle type and dimensions when booking.
Include racks, roof boxes, trailers or tow bars in the overall size where relevant.
Follow crew instructions for boarding, securing and vehicle-deck access.
Bicycles
Bicycles are carried on suitable ferry services according to the tariff. Domestic high-speed
catamarans do not accept ordinary bicycles, so check the selected line before booking.
Confirm that your selected sailing accepts the passenger or bicycle type you need.
Check the correct passenger check-in point and boarding deadline.
Follow crew instructions for bicycle storage or securing where applicable.
Pets
Small pets up to 8 kg can use an approved carrier within the local-line rules. Larger pets normally
use open-deck arrangements. Dalmacija and Jelena have specific international pet provisions and
kennels.
Reserve the required pet space or accommodation before travel.
Carry any pet documents required for the route and destination.
Follow the vessel-specific rules for carriers, kennels, cabins and deck access.
Assisted travel
Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility can request help with ticket purchase, boarding,
disembarkation and onboard accommodation. Notify the departure-port agency when help is required.
Request assistance when booking or as early as the operator requires.
Confirm accessible boarding, seating, lifts or cabin arrangements for your sailing.
Arrive within the published assistance and check-in window.
Before you reach the quay
Tickets, reservations, check-in and boarding
Jadrolinija’s local network mixes reservable sailings with date-valid non-reservation tickets, while
international routes use a separate check-in process.
International online purchases use a purchase confirmation that is exchanged for the travel ticket during port check-in. On busy non-reservation routes, boarding order and vehicle-deck capacity make early arrival important.
Recommended travel sequence
When booking
Identify the service type and reservation status
Check whether your route is a vehicle ferry, passenger ship or high-speed service, and whether the
selected ticket reserves a specific departure.
Reserved local lines
Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure
Jadrolinija recommends buying reservable local sailings in advance and being at the port at least 45
minutes before the booked departure.
Non-reservation lines
Allow substantially more time in peak season
These tickets can be used on another departure within their validity, but boarding is subject to
arrival order and capacity. Jadrolinija recommends one to two hours early in busy periods, and
sometimes more.
International travel
Check-in opens two hours before departure
Online buyers receive a purchase confirmation; the travel ticket is issued at the departure-port
sales point during check-in. Bring personal identification and the vehicle registration certificate
when applicable.
Electronic local tickets
No printout required
Local electronic tickets can be presented on a mobile device. Open the ticket before boarding so it
is available even if the mobile connection is weak.
Choose the right Jadrolinija product
How to compare a Croatian ferry journey
Start with your transport need. If you are taking a car, motorhome or motorcycle, you need a ferry
service line rather than a passenger ship or high-speed route. If speed matters more than vehicle
access, a catamaran may be the better fit.
Next check the ticket rule. A reservable sailing such as Split–Stari Grad fixes your departure and
reduces uncertainty, while busy non-reservation routes rely on arrival order and may require a much
earlier arrival in peak season.
For Italy, compare the conventional Dalmacija ferry with the high-speed Zadar–Ancona option. The
difference affects vehicle access, onboard facilities, pets, seating and check-in.
Common planning questions
Jadrolinija FAQs
What routes does Jadrolinija operate?
Jadrolinija operates a large Croatian coastal network of ferry, passenger-ship and catamaran
services, plus four 2026 international links: Split–Ancona, Split–Bari, Dubrovnik–Bari and
Zadar–Ancona.
How large is the Jadrolinija fleet?
Jadrolinija’s current company profile states a fleet of 58 ships carrying more than 12 million
passengers and 3.5 million vehicles per year.
How long is the Split to Supetar ferry?
Jadrolinija publishes a 50-minute crossing on ferry line 631 between Split and Supetar on Brač.
How long is Split to Stari Grad on Hvar?
Ferry line 635 from Split to Stari Grad takes about 120 minutes. A ticket on this line is a
reservation for the selected departure.
Can I take a car on Jadrolinija?
Vehicles are carried on ferry service lines. Passenger ships and high-speed service lines are for
foot passengers, so always check the service type before booking a vehicle.
Does a Jadrolinija local ticket reserve a specific departure?
Some local ferry lines and all local catamaran lines use reservations. On non-reservation lines, the
ticket may be used on another departure on the valid date subject to capacity and boarding order.
Can pets travel with Jadrolinija?
Yes. Small pets may travel in approved carriers under the local-line rules, larger pets use
designated open-deck arrangements, and international ships such as Dalmacija have their own pet and
kennel provisions.
Do I need to print my Jadrolinija ticket?
For local electronic tickets there is no need to print; the ticket can be shown on a mobile device.
International online purchases are handled differently: the purchase confirmation is used to collect
the boarding ticket during check-in.
How early should I arrive for a Jadrolinija ferry?
For local lines with reservations Jadrolinija recommends being at the port at least 45 minutes
before departure. On non-reservation lines, especially in peak season, it recommends arriving one to
two hours early or more on particularly busy routes.
Which Jadrolinija routes connect Croatia with Italy in 2026?
The current international programme lists Split–Ancona, Split–Bari and Dubrovnik–Bari by ferry, plus
the seasonal Zadar–Ancona high-speed catamaran route.
Facility photographs are examples; the vessels shown are identified below. Facilities vary by ship.
250120 1029 MV Glen Sannox loading, Port of Troon ferry terminal.jpg — Dave souza; CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:250120_1029_MV_Glen_Sannox_loading,_Port_of_Troon_ferry_terminal.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. Resized for display.
Bikes on MV Coho.jpg — Loneshieling; CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bikes_on_MV_Coho.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. Resized for display.
Cabin on MV Hrossey - geograph.org.uk - 7254252.jpg — Oliver Dixon; CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cabin_on_MV_Hrossey_-_geograph.org.uk_-_7254252.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0. Resized for display.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (49687542022).jpg — Chris Hunkeler from Carlsbad, California, USA; CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cavalier_King_Charles_Spaniel_(49687542022).jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0. Resized for display.
Check-in, Holyhead Ferry Terminal - geograph.org.uk - 7757104.jpg — JThomas; CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Check-in,_Holyhead_Ferry_Terminal_-_geograph.org.uk_-_7757104.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0. Resized for display.
Deckchair on ferry.jpg — User:Amada44; CC BY 3.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Deckchair_on_ferry.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0. Resized for display.